Malaysia Travel Guide

Why holiday in Malaysia?

We can’t honestly say that Malaysia is one of Southeast Asia’s top tourist destinations. In fact it comes practically bottom of the list of Asian must-sees, especially the modernised, sanitised, affluent and fundamentally dull western region, a peninsula encompassing multicultural Kuala Lumpur and Penang and ending down south in Singapore (which is, of course, a different country). Culturally Penang has a bit going for it and there are some brilliant beaches, especially along the mainland’s east coast.

Tourism in Malaysia is pricey compared to other southeast Asia countries but it’s safe, easy to get around, many locals speak English and food is superb, a curious fusion of Indian, Chinese and Malay.

Downsides

• there’s not much in the way of ancient sights or traditional native culture on the mainland, when compared to the neighbours. • the weather is usually oppressively hot and humid. • Kuala Lumpur makes for poor walking and holds little interest for the average tourist.

Weather

Malaysia is tropically hot and humid though the peninsula highlands are significantly cooler. Lowland average temperatures range from lows of 26C (79F) to 32C (90F) but can drop to 23C (73F) when it rains. The highlands temperatures range from 17C ( 62F) to 25C (77F). Different regions have different rainy seasons, which is awkward for travellers who want to see everything but don’t like getting soaked on a regular basis.

Malaysia’s best season West Malaysia’s mainland (peninsula)west coast (e. g. Penang), October-February. The mainland’s east coast (e. g. Tioman and Redang beach resort islands) and Borneo island, May-September. Worst: October-February on the east coast and Borneo, with cloud, rain and rough seas due to the heavy north-east monsoon. Note that the southern peninsula, including Kuala Lumpur, is partially exposed to both monsoons so gets more than its fair share of rain, though showers tend to be short but heavy. If you’re planning to see the country quite thoroughly pick option 2, May-September.

Tourist attractions

The Mainland or just off the mainland

*Kuala Lumpur – a melting pot of Asian cultures, Malaysia’s capital is humid, often smoggy and not so great for pedestrians but lively, friendly and serves great cuisine. Highlights are the view from Petronas Towers, Chinatown and the Batu Caves in the north suburbs.

**Cameron Highlands – this lush, cool, colonial, tea growing hill station is perfect for relaxed trekking – spotting orchids, butterflies and birds around the quaint little towns, with plenty of golf and tennis action. Photo and more information

**Taman Negara Reserve – one of the oldest rainforests in the world with massive trees, waterfalls and good tracks though not overloaded with wildlife – mostly birds, deer, tapir and our least favourite critters, leeches. Taman Negara Pehang, a 2, 187m peak makes a good canopy view without huge effort, or try the canopy walkway if vertigo doesn’t get to you first. There are plenty of places to stay inside the park. Best February-September. Photo and more information

**Georgetown, Penang Island – This is Malaysia’s most interesting town, awash with history, culture and the best street food in the country. It’s at it’s best during the Chinese New Year. There are some decent beaches, though not comparable to the east coast islands of Redang and Tioman. Photos and more information

***Tioman and Redang Islands off the peninsula east coast- classic lush islands with spectacular beaches with superb diving, snorkelling and windsurfing and some quaint villages and low-budget accommodation, though plenty of fancy resorts too. November-February. See Malaysia Beaches

Sabah province(northeast Borneo island)

Sabah gets direct international access via Kota Kinabalu. The nearby beaches are some of the best in Borneo, while the islands off the coast offer beautiful resorts and spectacular diving. This is the best wildlife safari destination in Asia with the possible exception of India, offering orangutans, proboscis monkeys, turtles, hornbills, leopard, Sumatran rhino and other exotic creatures on land and in sea. Sabah Photos and more information

***Kinabalu National Park – Mount Kinabalu, the highest mountain in south east Asia at 4, 100m, rises dramatically from the jungle canopy and has an easy-to-follow 8km path to the summit.

**Kinabatangan River – with good prospects for seeing turtles and proboscis monkeys etc. by riverboat.

***Kabili-Sepilok Rainforest Reserve is a first rate sanctuary for rescued orangutans and an ideal way to see them up close and responsibly in their natural habitat.

Sarawak province(west Borneo island)

This province also offers direct international access from Miri and has many national parks and the world’s most extreme diversity of flora and fauna. Mountains range above extensive jungle waterways, edged with gorgeous beaches. Tattooed Iban headhunters (they’re not too keen on pasty tourist heads), birds and and other wildlife are in abundance. The traditional longhouses and planked walkways are a local speciality. Sarawak Photos and more information

***Gunung Mulu National Park – has three eroded mountains, a buzzing rainforest and stunning, world-beating limestone cave systems – the biggest cave, the biggest chamber and the longest cave in the world. Millions of bats cloud from the entrance of Deer Cave in the evening. Groups here are much more cost-effective than individuals. Photos and more information

**Kuching – on the Sarawak River offers lots of colonial heritage, is reasonably attractive and walkable.

**Matang and Semengok Wildlife Centres – best at feeding time to see rescued orang utans.

*Gunung Gading National Park – to see the world’s largest flower (up to 1 metre) of the Rafflesia.

Activities

Scuba Diving and Snorkelling: some of best places for diving in the world. Pretty good east coast dives are around Tioman, Redang and Perhentian islands, while the east coast of Sabah (Borneo) at Sipadan is really outstanding.

Wildlife: Orang utans, Proboscis Monkey and other less bizarre monkeys and turtles, leopards, rhino, lots of plants and birds, especially the cute hornbill, and fish of all sizes depending where you go – all very diverse, but the big ginger ape of Borneo is definitely the jungle VIP.

Caving: there are some spectacular caves on Borneo at Gunung Mulu National Park. See right.

Trekking/Climbing: moderate trekking can be undertaken in the coolish Cameron Highlands or Taman Negara NP on the mainland, but for really sweaty jungle adventure and bigger views head for Borneo and try the area around Mt Kinabalu as well as the three peaks at Gunung Mulu NP in Sarawak.

Whitewater Rafting: many rivers range from moderate to extreme on the mainland, such as Sungai Selangor near KL, and Suingai Telom in the Cameron Highlands. In Borneo there’s Sungai Pudas.

Ramadan and other Festivals and Events

Malay culture is one of the most accepting and diverse cultures in the world.

During Ramadan many if not most Muslims will neither eat nor drink during the daytime and consequently many cafes, restaurants and even shops will open only after sunset; public eating, drinking and smoking by tourists may upset the locals. In one Muslim country the only alcohol served to us during our visit was from a teapotinto tea cups in a first class hotel.

Furthermore service personnel may be missing, careless or irritable during the daytime. The last day of Ramadan, known as Idd al Fitr, can be a wild time with much celebrating, depending on location.

Dates depend on the full moon rising in your location so they may differ by one day depending on where you plan to be.

In 2017 Ramadan will start on the 27 May and will continue for 30 days until the 25 of June. In 2018 Ramadan will start on the 16 May and will continue for 30 days until the 14 of June. In 2019 Ramadan will start on the 6 May and will continue for 30 days until the 4 of June.

January: Chinese New Year. The first two days of the fifteen day festival are a national holiday, Penang is primo. Jan-Feb: Thaipusam. Festival for a Hindu deity, featuring carrying of penance gifts (walking floats) and body piercing. KL penance makers walk to the Batu Caves at Selangor. Tamu Besar – a foodie event with local produce sold and colourful tribes showing off their fashions. Kota Belud in north-east Sabah, Borneo.

Transport

Road options are plentiful on the mainland with well-organised car hire, city-to-city taxis, buses and train services. Buses are cheapest, naturally, and peninsula coverage comprehensive. Train transport is limited to two main lines. Airlines in Malaysia are relatively expensive, and except for serious pond hopping, e. g. to Borneo island, probably not required. Deeper exploration of Borneo is usually by 4×4 and riverboats.

Visas

Most nationalities (including USA, Canada, UK, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa) can enter Malaysia without a visa and be issued 90, 60, 30 or 14 day entry permits. Israelis have a problem.

Money

Costs are similar to Thailand but more than Indonesia. Major currencies can be changed to Ringgit at banks or hotels and with authorised changers (who often offer better deals). Credit cards and cheques are widely accepted; ATMs are generally found in major towns only.

Electricity

240 volt three square-pin plugs (like the UK).

Language

Bahasa Malaysia is official, but English is widely spoken, along with Chinese.

Health

Take precautions against mosquitoes, including daytime in urban areas to avoid dengue fever, and night-flights by malarial critters. Hepatitis A vaccine is also worthwhile.

Trains

If you like rail transport consider taking a train from Chiang Mai in northern Thailand all the way south through Malaysia to Singapore.

Fridays

Holy day in this Muslim country, so plan cultural visits accordingly.

Food

This sticky country is a hot-pot of superb cuisine with Malay, Chinese, and Indian styles well represented/fused, though superb Chinese seafood with noodles or dim sum are primary dishes. Roadside and market stalls are plentiful in many towns but Penang and georgetown are renowned for street cuisine. Prices are low but hygiene standards high. Western food chains sit side by side with the more exotic offerings in the bigger towns.

Drinking

In spite of the Islamic influence, alcohol is generally available – Tiger beer, for example, is a globally famous and tasty brand. Tap water is supposedly safe to drink but it’s best to stick with the bottled stuff until you acclimatise to local bacteria.

Don’t

– think that the locals are thieving on buses and trains, it’s probably other tourists most interested in robbing you ! – go without malaria protection if going into the jungle.